Anti-glaucoma compositions

Abstract

Ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions useful in controlling elevated intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma and ocular hypertension are described. The compositions comprise a combination of a beta-blocker to reduce the production of aqueous humor and carbachol to enhance the outflow of aqueous humor. A method of controlling elevated intraocular pressure with those compositions is also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A topical ophthalmic composition for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertensions, comprising: about 0.25 wt% betaxolol; between about 1.5 and about 3.0 wt% carbachol; between about 0.05 and about 8.0 wt% of an anionic mucomimetic polymer; and about 0.05 and about 10.0 wt% of a finely divided cation exchange resin. 
     
     
       2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the concentration of carbachol is about 1.5 wt%. 
     
     
       3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the concentration of carbachol is about 3.0 wt%. 
     
     
       4. A method for treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension, comprising applying to an affected eye a composition comprising: about 0.25 wt% betaxolol; between about 1.5 and about 3.0 wt% carbachol; between about 0.05 and about 8.0 wt% of an anionic mucomimetic polymer; and between about 0.05 and about 10.0 wt% of a finely divided cation exchange resin. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 4, wherein the concentration of carbachol is about 1.5 wt%. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 4, wherein the concentration of carbachol is about 3.0 wt%.